Single-use, disposable helmets, hoods, and helmet/hood assemblies, and methods of making and using the same

ABSTRACT

Single-use, disposable helmets, hoods, and helmet/hood assemblies are disclosed. Methods of making and using single-use, disposable helmets, hoods, and helmet/hood assemblies are also disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/126,138 filed on Dec. 16, 2020 and entitled “SINGLE-USE, DISPOSABLE HELMETS, HOODS, AND HELMET/HOOD ASSEMBLIES, AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME,” the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to helmets, hoods, and helmet/face shield/hood assemblies to be worn as personal protective equipment (PPE) by first responders and/or surgical personnel, viral pandemic first responders, and anyone needing protection from bacterial or viral ambient environments, and, more particularly, to such helmets, hoods, and helmet/face shield/hood assemblies having a structure and assembly configured to include a fan to eliminate hood visor moisture, and provide complete protection from ambient bacteria and viruses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years it has become apparent that a helmet/hood was needed to protect operating room personnel while patients undergoing surgical procedures from contamination by one another. A system was needed to provide separate air spaces in which each of the operating room personnel would breathe and in which the surgical procedure would occur, so that the surgical site would not be contaminated by airborne contaminates exhaled or otherwise expelled by the operating room personnel, and additionally so that operating room personnel will not be contaminated by blood spatter and other airborne contamination from the surgical site.

Viruses that cause human illnesses and deaths have begun surfacing throughout the world, resulting in pandemics such as being experienced now by Covid 19. Because of the widespread Covid 19 virus throughout the United States and other countries of the world, to avoid widespread contamination of the disease among groups of people, it has become necessary that several different occupations, associated with protecting against the virus, require that individuals performing medical and protection services must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including helmet/face shield/hood assemblies to prevent viral contamination of the individual.

Especially among medical personnel such as doctors and nurses, who are on the first line of the virus defense and treating Covid 19 patients and/or similar contagious illnesses, it is absolutely essential that each doctor and nurse and anyone else working in the hospital or medical clinic have PPE, especially in the form of a helmet/hood. Often these people are referred to as first responders who are the first people to come in personal contact with a sick individual that has been exposed to the Covid 19 virus or other virulent organisms. It is absolutely crucial that the first responder personnel have extremely excellent personal protective equipment in the form of a hood/helmet that prevents contamination to the person by the virus, bacteria, or any other virulent contagious organisms.

Efforts continue to further develop effective personal protective equipment (PPE).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to helmets, hoods, and helmet/hood assemblies that provide a number of advantages over known helmets, hoods, and helmet/hood assemblies. The disclosed helmets, hoods, and helmet/hood assemblies are single-use, disposable helmets, hoods, and helmet/hood assemblies that can be fully assembled and packaged so as to occupy a minimal amount of helmet, hood, and helmet/hood assembly volume. In addition, the disclosed helmets, hoods, and helmet/hood assemblies comprise one or more features that enable easy use, convenience, and superior protection against contamination by viruses, bacteria, or any other virulent contagious organisms.

In one embodiment, the single-use, disposable helmet of the present invention comprises: a main frame comprising a forehead strap and an anterior shield strap with a fan platform positioned between the forehead strap and the anterior shield strap; and a fan positioned within the fan platform; wherein the helmet is collapsible into a volume having a length of up to about 16.0 inches, a width of up to about 20.0 inches, and a height of up to about 3.5 inches when fully assembled. In some embodiments, the single-use, disposable helmet is collapsible into a volume having a length of up to 14.0 inches, a width of up to about 18.5 inches, and a height of up to about 2.5 inches when fully assembled. In yet other embodiments, the single-use, disposable helmet is collapsible into a volume having a length of up to 12.0 inches, a width of up to about 17.0 inches, and a height of up to about 1.5 inches when fully assembled. When expanded from its collapsible state (i.e., shipping and/or storage state) into a “use” or operational state, the single-use, disposable helmets of the present invention expand for the above-mentioned volumes into a single-use, disposable helmet having outer dimensions of: a length of about 11.0 inches, a width of about 11.0 inches, and a height of about 10.0 inches when fully expanded.

The single-use, disposable helmet of the present invention may further comprise a backward slope that causes an attached face shield to extend downward and towards a user's face. In this embodiment, the single-use, disposable helmet comprises: a main frame comprising a forehead strap and an anterior shield strap with a fan platform positioned between the forehead strap and the anterior shield strap; a fan positioned within the fan platform; wherein the anterior shield strap has an upper front edge, a lower front edge, and a backward slope extending between the upper front edge and the lower front edge. The backward slope may comprise a slope angle A of greater than 0° up to about 30°. In some desired embodiments, the backward slope comprises a slope angle A of about 15°.

The single-use, disposable helmet of the present invention may further comprise a fan guard. In this embodiment, the single-use, disposable helmet comprises: a main frame comprising a forehead strap and an anterior shield strap with a fan platform positioned between the forehead strap and the anterior shield strap; a fan positioned within the fan platform; and a fan guard that is sized to extend over the fan platform and the fan, the fan guard preventing a hood from coming into contact with the fan.

In yet other embodiments, the single-use, disposable helmet comprises: a main frame comprising a forehead strap and an anterior shield strap with a fan platform positioned between the forehead strap and the anterior shield strap; a fan positioned within the fan platform; and a collapsible air channel that is sized to extend over the fan platform and the fan, the collapsible air channel preventing a hood from coming into contact with the fan, wherein the collapsible air channel is movable from a collapsed state (i.e., for shipping and storage) to an operational state (i.e., in use).

In some embodiments, the single-use, disposable helmet comprises: a main frame comprising a forehead strap and an anterior shield strap with a fan platform positioned between the forehead strap and the anterior shield strap; a fan positioned within the fan platform; an air channel that is sized to extend (i) from over the fan platform and the fan to (ii) a position over a user's head; and one or more UVC lights positioned along the air channel, wherein the one or more UVC lights provide UVC light having a wavelength of from about 230 nanometers (nm) to about 275 nm.

The present invention is further directed to a hood that is suitable for use with any of the herein-described helmets and helmet/hood assemblies of the present invention. In some embodiments, the hood comprises hood material sized to extend over a user's head and down to a neck/shoulder region of the user, the hood material comprising: (i) a face shield opening extending through the hood material and along a front side of the hood, and (ii) a lower edge extending along a lower periphery of the hood material and around a hood opening of the hood; and a tie-string positioned proximate the lower edge and extending along at least a portion of the lower periphery of the hood material, the tie-string enabling a user to reduce a circumference of the hood opening from an initial circumference to an in-use circumference.

The present invention is even further directed to a package containing any of the herein-described helmets, hoods, and helmet/hood assemblies of the present invention. In some embodiments, the package comprises (i) the helmet of the present invention in a shipping configuration, and (ii) packaging material surrounding the helmet, wherein the package has a package volume with a package length of up to about 16.0 inches, a package width of up to about 20.0 inches, and a package height of up to about 3.5 inches. In some embodiments, the package has a package length of up to 14.0 inches, a package width of up to about 18.5 inches, and a package height of up to about 2.5 inches. In other embodiments, the package has a package length of up to 12.0 inches, a package width of up to about 17.0 inches, and a package height of up to about 1.5 inches.

The present invention is even further directed to methods of making any of the herein-described helmets, hoods, and helmet/hood assemblies of the present invention. In some embodiments, the method of making the helmet comprises the steps of: combining the forehead strap, the anterior shield strap, and the fan platform; and positioning the fan within the fan platform.

The present invention is even further directed to methods of using any of the herein-described helmets, hoods, and helmet/hood assemblies of the present invention. In some embodiments, the method of using the helmet comprises the steps of: positioning the helmet, hood, and/or helmet/hood assembly on a user's head.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after a review of the following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention is further described with reference to the appended figure, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary helmet of the present invention in a shipping/storage configuration;

FIG. 2A depicts the exemplary helmet of FIG. 1 in an operational configuration (i.e., ready to be used by a user);

FIG. 2B depicts a variation of the exemplary helmet of FIG. 1 in an operational configuration (i.e., ready to be used by a user);

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary fan guard suitable for use in the helmets of the present invention;

FIG. 4A-4B depict close-up views of exemplary fan guards and exemplary fan platforms used in the exemplary helmet of FIGS. 1-2B;

FIG. 5 depicts a close-up view of an exemplary fan positioned along the exemplary fan platform shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 6 depicts a close-up top view of the exemplary fan guard, and the exemplary fan positioned within the exemplary fan platform;

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the exemplary helmet shown in FIG. 2B with the exemplary fan guard preventing hood material from coming into contact with the exemplary fan;

FIG. 8 depicts a close-up side view of an exemplary face shield attached to a backward slope of the exemplary main frame of the exemplary helmet shown in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 9 depicts a schematic view of the backward slope of the exemplary main frame of the exemplary helmet shown in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 10 depicts of a rear view of the exemplary helmet shown in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 11 depicts a top view of the exemplary helmet shown in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 12 depicts a top view of various components used to form the exemplary helmet shown in FIGS. 1-2B;

FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary helmet of the present invention in a shipping/storage configuration;

FIG. 14 depicts a side view of the exemplary helmet shown in FIG. 13 when in an operational configuration;

FIG. 14A depicts a view of an exemplary inner surface of the exemplary upper layer of channel-forming material shown in FIG. 14 with one or more UVC lights positioned thereon;

FIG. 14B depicts a view of an exemplary inner surface of the exemplary lower layer of channel-forming material shown in FIG. 14 with one or more UVC lights positioned thereon;

FIG. 15 depicts a perspective top view of the exemplary helmet shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 depicts a side view of the exemplary helmet shown in FIG. 13 with hen in an operational configuration;

FIG. 17 depicts a front view of an exemplary hood suitable for use with the exemplary helmets shown in FIGS. 1-16 with a tie-string component of the hood in a loose configuration;

FIG. 18 depicts a rear view of the exemplary hood shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 depicts a front view of the exemplary hood shown in FIG. 17 with the tie-string component of the hood in a tightened configuration;

FIG. 20 depicts another front view of the exemplary hood shown in FIG. 17 with the tie-string component of the hood in a tightened configuration and a lower portion of the hood beneath a surgical coat or gown; and

FIG. 21 depicts a top view of the exemplary hood shown in FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The helmets and helmet/face shield/hood assemblies of the present invention are extremely useful as personal protective equipment (PPE) in protecting people such as first providers protection from bacteria and viruses, such as the Covid 19 virus, by preventing the virus from contacting the skin of the wearer of the protective equipment or breathing the contaminated environmental air.

The helmet/face shield/hood assemblies of the present invention comprise a hood in the form of a sheet of suitable viral and bacterial protective material that can encompass the head and shoulders of a user. The hood protective material is desirably moisture proof and blood proof. The hood protective material may be attached to and surround a face shield of any of the herein-described helmets forming a large hood/cover over the user's head.

The helmet/face shield/hood assemblies of the present invention may comprise a translucent frame (also referred to herein as a “loop” formed by the main frame and first and second gear straps) that has an area slightly larger than the human head. A polycarbonate or any flexible sheet clear visor may be glued to the hood protective material. The frame is thin enough to allow it to be bent and shaped around the head of the wearer.

The helmet/face shield/hood assemblies of the present invention further comprise a fan that is mounted on the front of the main frame to provide airflow to the back space of the visor/face shield glued to the hood protective material and attached to the main frame by means of hook and loop type material (e.g., VELCRO® material) or other connectors such as one or more magnets. The hood protective material may have a rectangular cutout portion so that edges surrounding the rectangular cutout portion can be glued to the hood protective material surrounding the translucent shield, protecting the user but allowing the user to look through the visor/face shield without interference of the hood protective material.

The helmet/face shield/hood assemblies of the present invention may further comprise a number of additional features. A small battery pack may be connected to the fan with a standard connector. A flexible fan guard may be provided and configured above the fan to prevent the hood protective material from coming into contact with the fan. Alternatively, a collapsible air channel may be provided and configured above the fan to prevent the hood protective material from coming into contact with the fan. In addition, a HEPA filter may be attached above the fan to provide further protection.

In order to attach the helmets and helmet/face shield/hood assemblies of the present invention to a human head, a foam strip may be applied to the frame along with a flexible adjustable head engaging strap connected to a gear—on the back of the head with a knob to adjust the length of the flexible band around the head. The helmets and helmet/face shield/hood assemblies can be comfortably positioned on the user's head, allowing the user to look through the clear visor/face shield while being completely inside the impenetrable hood protective material extending over the user's head and shoulders. The fan may be turned on to prevent fogging of the face shield by blowing air (e.g., from an air channel above the fan) in front of the user's face.

In some embodiments, the impenetrable hood protective material sheet is sized to fit over the top of the user's head, the back of the head, the neck, and shoulders and under the chin of the user, and can be tucked into a protective gown or jumpsuit worn by the user.

First responders or any other person with any danger of being in an environment with virulent agents, such as bacteria/virus, Covid 19 virus, etc. will be fully protected with the gown or jumpsuit and the helmets and helmet/face shield/hood assemblies of the present invention even if performing medical surgery and be completely isolated from the outside environment without any fogging of the visor/face shield.

The present invention will be further described in the following additional embodiments, examples, and claims.

Additional Embodiments

Helmet and Helmet/Face Shield/Hood Combinations

1. A single-use, disposable helmet 100 comprising: a main frame 10 comprising a forehead strap 11 and an anterior shield strap 12 with a fan platform 13 positioned between the forehead strap 11 and the anterior shield strap 12; and a fan 14 positioned within the fan platform 13; wherein the helmet 100 is collapsible into a volume having a length of up to about 16.0 inches, a width of up to about 20.0 inches, and a height of up to about 3.5 inches when fully assembled.

2. The helmet 100 of embodiment 1, wherein the helmet 100 is collapsible into a volume having a length of up to 14.0 inches, a width of up to about 18.5 inches, and a height of up to about 2.5 inches when fully assembled.

3. The helmet 100 of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the helmet 100 is collapsible into a volume having a length of up to 12.0 inches, a width of up to about 17.0 inches, and a height of up to about 1.5 inches when fully assembled.

4. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the anterior shield strap 12 has an upper front edge 15, a lower front edge 16, and a backward slope 17 extending between the upper front edge 15 and the lower front edge 16.

5. The helmet 100 of embodiment 4, wherein the backward slope 17 comprises a slope angle A of greater than 0° up to about 30°. See, for example, FIG. 9.

6. The helmet 100 of embodiment 4 or 5, wherein the backward slope 17 comprises a slope angle A of about 15°.

7. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 6, further comprising a fan guard 18 that is sized to extend over the fan platform 13 and the fan 14, the fan guard 18 preventing a hood 20 from coming into contact with the fan 14. See, for example, FIGS. 3, 4A-4B, and 7. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A-4B, fan guard 18 may have a number of shapes, sizes, and configurations.

8. The helmet 100 of embodiment 7, wherein the fan guard 18 is connectable to the main frame 10.

9. The helmet 100 of embodiment 7 or 8, wherein the fan guard 18 is connectable to an anterior position 19 along the fan platform 13.

10. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 7 to 9, wherein the fan guard 18 comprises a polymeric (e.g., polycarbonate) film having a film thickness of less than about 30 mil (0.76 mm). It should be understood that fan guard 18 may comprise any other material (e.g., other polymers, paper, foam, fabric, etc.), and having any desired thickness.

11. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 7 to 10, wherein the fan guard 18 comprises a polycarbonate film having a film thickness of about 15 mil (0.381 mm).

12. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 7 to 11, wherein the fan guard 18 has a fan guard aperture 21 extending therethrough, and the fan 14 pulls air thru the fan guard aperture 21.

13. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 7 to 12, wherein the fan 14 pulls air from above the fan platform 13 and below a lower surface 22 of the fan guard 18.

14. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 13, further comprising an anterior strap 23 that is connectable to or connected to the main frame 10 and comprises (i) a proximal end 24 for connecting to the main frame 10, (ii) a distal end 25, and (iii) an anterior strap connector 26 positioned between the proximal end 24 and the distal end 25.

15. The helmet 100 of embodiment 14, wherein the proximal end 24 of the anterior strap 23 comprises a proximal hole 27 for connecting to a corresponding anterior strap connector 28 on the main frame 10. See, for example, FIG. 4A.

16. The helmet 100 of embodiment 14 or 15, wherein the distal end 25 of the anterior strap 23 comprises a distal connector 29 that enables connection to a battery housing 30 (as shown in FIG. 2B) or other helmet component (i.e., collapsible air channel 33 described below, or overhead strap connector 50, discussed below, and as shown in FIG. 2A).

17. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 14 to 16, wherein the anterior strap connector 26 is centrally located along the anterior strap 23 and comprises a fan guard pin 26.

18. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 14 to 17, wherein the fan guard 18 is connectable to or connected to the anterior strap connector 26 of the anterior strap 23. See, for example, FIGS. 2A-2B, 4A-4B, and 6.

19. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 14 to 18, wherein the fan guard 18 is sized to extend between and be connectable to or connected to (i) the anterior strap connector 26 of the anterior strap 23 and an anterior position 19 along the fan platform 23.

20. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 14 to 19, wherein the fan guard 18 is sized to be positioned above the fan 14 within the fan platform 13.

21. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 6, further comprising a collapsible air channel 33 that is sized to extend over the fan platform 13 and the fan 14, the collapsible air channel 33 preventing a hood material 87 of a hood 20 from coming into contact with the fan 14, wherein the collapsible air channel 33 is movable from a substantially flat, collapsed state (i.e., for shipping and storage as shown in FIG. 13) with no air channel therethrough to an operational state (i.e., a configuration for use as shown in FIGS. 14-15) with a formed air channel 341 extending therethrough.

22. The helmet 100 of embodiment 21, wherein the collapsible air channel 33 is connectable or connected to the main frame 10.

23. The helmet 100 of embodiment 21 or 22, wherein the collapsible air channel 33 is connectable or connected to an anterior position 19 along the fan platform 13.

24. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 21 to 23, wherein the collapsible air channel 33 comprises an upper layer of channel-forming material 34 (e.g., an upper strip 34 of polymer film or paper or both), a lower layer of channel-forming material 35 (e.g., a lower strip 35 of polymer film or paper or both), and one or more posts 36 positioned so as to separate the upper layer of channel-forming material 34 from the lower layer of channel-forming material 35. It should be understood that collapsible air channel 33 may have any desired configuration (e.g., cross-sectional shape, dimensions, etc.), and comprise any material as long as collapsible air channel 33 is collapsible. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, polymers, paper, foam, metal, fabric, etc. In some embodiments, upper layer of channel-forming material 34, lower layer of channel-forming material 35, and one or more posts 36 of collapsible air channel 33 are each independently formed from a polymer (e.g., polypropylene or any other polymer). In other embodiments, upper layer of channel-forming material 34, and lower layer of channel-forming material 35 of collapsible air channel 33 are each independently formed from a paper or cellulosic material.

25. The helmet 100 of embodiment 24, wherein a front edge 37 of the upper layer of channel-forming material 34 is attached to an anterior position 19 along the fan platform 13.

26. The helmet 100 of embodiment 24 or 25, wherein a front edge 38 of the lower layer of channel-forming material 35 is attached to a posterior position 39 along the fan platform 13 or an anterior position 40 along the forehead strap 11.

27. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 21 to 26, wherein the collapsible air channel 33 further comprises one or more cover materials 41, said one or more cover materials 41 being sized to extend over at least a portion of (i) the upper channel-forming material 34, (ii) the lower layer of channel-forming material 35, and (iii) the one or more posts 36. See, for example, FIG. 16.

28. The helmet 100 of embodiment 27, wherein the one or more cover materials 41 comprise one or more fabrics, one or more films, or any combination thereof.

29. The helmet 100 of embodiment 27 or 28, wherein the one or more cover materials 41 comprise a fabric material 41.

30. The helmet 100 of embodiment 29, wherein the fabric material 41 comprises a stocking or sock-like material (e.g., a nylon hose material, etc.) or any other tubular material (e.g., a paper tubular material, a nonwoven tubular material, a foam tubular material, a knitted or woven fabric tubular material, etc.). For example, in some embodiments, the fabric material 41 comprises material similar to that used to form hood 20 described below, namely, hood material 87.

31. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 27 to 30, wherein the one or more cover materials 41 extend over substantially all of (i) the upper channel-forming material 34, (ii) the lower layer of channel-forming material 35, and (iii) the one or more posts 36.

32. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 21 to 31, wherein the collapsible air channel 33 has an air channel aperture 42 extending therein, and the fan 14 pulls air into and thru the air channel aperture 42 (i.e., air channel aperture 42 acts as an air inlet for collapsible air channel 33). See, for example, FIG. 15.

33. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 21 to 32, further comprising one or more UVC lights 43 positioned along an inner surface of the formed air channel 341 (e.g., along an inner surface of the collapsible air channel 33), the one or more UVC lights providing UVC light having a wavelength of from about 230 nanometers (nm) to about 275 nm. FIGS. 14A and 14B show arrays 431 of one or more UVC lights 43 positioned along (i) inner surface 344 of the upper channel-forming material 34 (FIG. 14A), and (ii) inner surface 354 of the lower layer of channel-forming material 35 (FIG. 14B). It should be understood that any number of UVC lights 43 and any number of UVC light arrays 431 may be used along any portion of the formed air channel 341 (e.g., along any inner surface of the collapsible air channel 33 formed by (i) the upper channel-forming material 34 (FIG. 14A), and (ii) the lower layer of channel-forming material 35 (FIG. 14B)).

34. The helmet 100 of embodiment 33, wherein the one or more UVC lights 43 comprise a linear array of LED lights 43 (e.g., from about 10 to 30 LED lights) positioned along (i) the upper channel-forming material 34, (ii) the lower layer of channel-forming material 35, or (iii) both the upper channel-forming material 34 and the lower layer of channel-forming material 35.

35. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 21 to 34, wherein the fan 14 pulls air (i) from above the fan platform 13 and (ii) from within the formed air channel 341.

36. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 35, further comprising an overhead strap 45 that is connectable to or connected to the main frame 10 and comprises (i) an overhead strap proximal end 46 for connecting to a first side 47 of the main frame 10, (ii) an overhead strap distal end 48 for connecting to an opposite side 49 of the main frame 10, and (iii) an overhead strap connector 50 positioned between the overhead strap proximal end 46 and the overhead strap distal end 48.

37. The helmet 100 of embodiment 36, wherein (a) the overhead strap proximal end 46 is connectable to or connected to a first rear end 51 of at least one of the forehead strap 11 and the anterior shield strap 12, and (b) the overhead strap distal end 48 is connectable to or connected to an opposite rear end 52 of at least one of the forehead strap 11 and the anterior shield strap 12.

38. The helmet 100 of embodiment 36 or 37, wherein the overhead strap 45 is movable (i) from a first plane containing the forehead strap 11 and the anterior shield strap 12 (as shown in FIG. 13) into (ii) a second plane substantially normal to the first plane (as shown in FIGS. 14-16).

39. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 36 to 38, wherein the overhead strap connector 50 is connectable to or connected to the proximal connector 29 of the anterior strap 23. See, for example, FIG. 2A.

40. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 36 to 39, wherein the overhead strap connector 50 is connectable to or connected to a battery housing 30. See, for example, FIG. 2B.

41. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 36 to 38, wherein the overhead strap connector 50 is connectable to or connected the collapsible air channel 33. See, for example, FIG. 14.

42. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 36 to 38 and 41, wherein the overhead strap connector 50 is connectable to or connected to the lower layer of channel-forming material 35 of the collapsible air channel 33.

43. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 36 to 38 and 41 to 42, wherein the overhead strap connector 50 is connectable to or connected to the lower layer of channel-forming material 35 of the collapsible air channel 33, and connection of the overhead strap connector 50 with the lower layer of channel-forming material 35 of the collapsible air channel 33 maintains the formed air channel 341 thru the collapsible air channel 33.

44. The helmet 100 of embodiment 36 or 37, wherein movement of the overhead strap 45 (i) from a first plane containing the forehead strap 11 and the anterior shield strap 12 (as shown in FIG. 13) to (ii) a second plane substantially normal to the first plane (as shown in FIG. 14) causes the collapsible air channel 33 to move from the collapsed state (i.e., for shipping and storage) to the operational state (i.e., in use).

45. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 44, further comprising a gear band 60 that is connectable to or connected to the main frame 10 and comprises (i) a first gear strap 61 comprising a first gear strap end 62 for connecting to the main frame 10 and a first gear strap opposite end 63, (ii) a second gear strap 64 comprising a second gear strap end 65 for connecting to the main frame 10 and a second gear strap opposite end 66, (iii) a gear box housing 67 that accepts and locks into place the first gear strap opposite end 63 and the second gear strap opposite end 66, (iv) a gear 68 within the gear box housing 67, the gear 68 adjusted a position of the first gear strap opposite end 63 and the second gear strap opposite end 68, and (v) a knob 69 for turning the gear 68, wherein the forehead strap 11 of the main frame 10 and the gear band 60 form a loop that is adjustably sized to fit onto a user's head by turning the knob 69.

46. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 45, further comprising one or more connectors 70 positioned along the main frame 10, the one or more connectors 70 enabling a face shield 80, one or more sweat bands 72, or both to be attached to the main frame 10.

47. The helmet 100 of embodiment 46, wherein the one or more connectors 70 are positioned along a front surface 73 of the anterior shield strap 12.

48. The helmet 100 of embodiment 46 or 47, wherein the one or more connectors 70 are positioned along the backward slope 17 of the anterior shield strap 12.

49. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 46 to 48, wherein the one or more connectors 70 comprise strips of hook material or loop material 70.

50. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 49, further comprising one or more sweat bands 72.

51. The helmet 100 of embodiment 50, wherein the one or more sweat bands 72 are positioned along a posterior surface 74 of the forehead strap 11.

52. The helmet 100 of embodiment 50 or 51, wherein the one or more sweat bands 72 are positioned along an anterior surface 75 of the gear box housing 60.

53. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 50 to 52, wherein the one or more sweat bands 72 independently extend from (a) a first connector 70 along an outer surface 76 of the forehead strap 11 to (b) a second connector 70 along (i) an outer surface 77 of the gear box housing 60 or (ii) an outer surface 78 of the first gear strap 61 or the second gear strap 64. Each of the one or more sweat bands 72 may be independently adjusted to extend a given length between (a) the first connector 70 along an outer surface 76 of the forehead strap 11 and (b) the second connector 70 along (i) an outer surface 77 of the gear box housing 60 or (ii) an outer surface 78 of the first gear strap 61 or the second gear strap 64.

54. The helmet 100 of embodiment 53, wherein two sweat bands 72 independently extend from (a) a first connector 70 along an outer surface 76 of the forehead strap 11 to (b) a second connector 70 along (i) an outer surface 77 of the gear box housing 60 or (ii) an outer surface 78 of the first gear strap 61 or the second gear strap 64. This crossed sweat band configuration is shown, for example, in FIGS. 2B, and 10-11, and each of the two sweat bands 72 may be independently adjusted to extend a desired independent length between (a) the first connector 70 along an outer surface 76 of the forehead strap 11 and (b) the second connector 70 along (i) an outer surface 77 of the gear box housing 60 or (ii) an outer surface 78 of the first gear strap 61 or the second gear strap 64.

55. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 54, further comprising a battery housing 30.

56. The helmet 100 of embodiment 55, wherein the battery housing 30 is connectable to or connected to the main frame 10. As shown in FIGS. 2B and 10-11, in some embodiments, battery housing 30 is connectable to and/or connected to the main frame 10. However, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 14-16, in other embodiments, battery housing 30 is not connected to the main frame 10, but instead, may be worn along a user's beltline (not shown) with one or more wires electrically connecting the battery housing 30, directly or indirectly, to fan 14.

57. The helmet 100 of embodiment 55 or 56, wherein the battery housing 30 is connectable to or connected to the anterior strap 12.

58. The helmet 100 of embodiment 55 or 56, wherein the battery housing 30 is connectable to or connected to the overhead strap connector 50.

59. The helmet 100 of embodiment 55, wherein the battery housing 30 is connectable to or connected to or positioned along a waist line of a user (not shown).

60. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 55 to 59, wherein the battery housing 30 further comprises one or more batteries (not shown) positioned within the battery housing 30.

61. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 60, further comprising a face shield 80 that is connectable to or connected to the main frame 10. See, for example, FIG. 8.

62. The helmet 100 of embodiment 61, wherein the face shield 80 is connectable to or connected to a front surface 73 of the anterior shield strap 12 so as to extend below the anterior shield strap 12 (and in front of a face of a user (not shown)).

63. The helmet 100 of embodiment 61 or 62, wherein the face shield 80 is connectable to or connected to the backward slope 17 of the anterior shield strap 12 so as to extend below the anterior shield strap 12 and towards a face of a user (not shown).

64. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 61 to 63, wherein the face shield 80 is connectable to or connected to the main frame 10 via one or more strips of hook material or loop material 70.

65. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 64, further comprising a hood 20 comprising hood material 87 that is attachable to the main frame 10 so as to extend below the main frame 10 and cover at least a portion of a user's head and/or neck and/or shoulders. See, for example, FIGS. 17-21). It should be understood that hood material 87 may comprise any material typically used to form a given hood. For example, hood material 87 may comprise a nonwoven material such as a spunlaced material, a spunbonded material, a meltblown material, other types of nonwoven materials, woven materials, film materials, or any combination thereof.

66. The helmet 100 of embodiment 65, wherein the hood material 87 is sized to extend over a user's head and down to a neck/shoulder region of the user, and the hood further comprises a face shield opening 95 extending through the hood material 87 and along a front side of the hood 20. See again, FIGS. 17, 19 and 20. As shown in FIGS. 17, 19 and 20, face shield 80 is positioned within face shield opening 95 and attached to hood material 87 surrounding face shield opening 95. With this configuration, hood 20 with face shield 80 is attached to main frame 10 of helmet 100 via one or more connectors 70 positioned along (i) face shield 80 (e.g., the one or more connectors 70 comprising loop material) and (ii) front surface 73 of the anterior shield strap 12 of main frame 10 (e.g., the one or more connectors 70 comprising hook material).

67. The helmet 100 of embodiment 65 or 66, wherein the hood 20 comprises an air inlet hole 81 disposed centrally above the helmet 100 and along and through hood material 87. See, for example, FIG. 21. For example, in embodiments in which the helmet 100 comprises collapsible air channel 33, air inlet hole 81 is positioned within hood material 87 so as to align with the collapsible air channel aperture 42 extending through upper channel-forming material 34 of collapsible air channel 33.

68. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 65 to 67, wherein the hood 20 further comprises an air filter (not shown) positioned next to and covering the air inlet hole 81.

69. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 65 to 68, wherein the hood 20 comprises one or more air outlet holes 82 disposed along and through the hood material 87. See, for example, FIG. 18.

70. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 65 to 69, wherein the hood 20 comprises one or more air outlet holes 82 disposed along and through a rear portion of the hood material 87. See again, FIG. 18, wherein air outlet hole 82 is disposed along and through a rear portion of the hood material 87 so as to be positioned along a lower, rear portion of a user's head and above the user's neck line.

71. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 65 to 70, wherein the hood material 87 further comprises a lower edge 88 extending along a lower periphery 89 of the hood material 87 and around a hood opening 90 of the hood 20, and a tie-string 91 positioned proximate the lower edge 88 and extending along at least a portion of the lower periphery 89 of the hood material 87, the tie-string 91 enabling a user to reduce a circumference of the hood opening 90 from an initial circumference to an in-use circumference. See, for example, the initial circumference in FIG. 17 and the in-use circumference in FIG. 20.

72. The helmet 100 of embodiment 71, wherein the tie-string 91 is positioned from about 4.0 inches to about 10.0 inches above the lower edge 88.

73. The helmet 100 of embodiment 71 or 72, wherein the tie-string 91 extends along substantially all of the lower periphery 89 of the hood material 87.

74. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 71 to 73, wherein the hood 20 further comprises a tie-string channel 92 that extends along at least a portion of the lower periphery 89 of the hood material 87, the tie-string channel 92 comprising a tie-string channel inlet 93 and a tie-string channel outlet 94. See, for example, FIG. 19, which shows tie-string 91 entering tie-string channel inlet 93 and exiting tie-string channel outlet 94.

75. The helmet 100 of embodiment 74, wherein the tie-string channel 92 extends along substantially all of the lower periphery 89 of the hood material 87.

76. The helmet 100 of embodiment 74 or 75, wherein the tie-string channel 92 comprises (i) hood material 87 and (ii) an overlapping piece of channel material (not shown) positioned over and along an inner surface (not shown) or an outer surface 83 of the hood material 87. In FIGS. 17-20, exemplary tie-string channel 92 comprises (i) hood material 87 positioned about 3.0 in above lower edge 88 and extending along substantially all of lower periphery 89, and (ii) an overlapping piece of channel material (not shown) positioned over and along an inner surface (not shown) of the hood material 87.

77. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 71 to 76, further comprising a tie-string locking device 96 that is movable along the tie-string 91 so as to move from (i) a first locked position corresponding to the hood opening 90 having the initial circumference in a non-use position to (ii) a second locked position corresponding to the hood opening 90 having the in-use circumference.

78. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 71 to 77, wherein the tie-string 91 has a length of from about 20 inches to about 36 inches.

79. A single-use, disposable helmet 100 comprising: a main frame 10 comprising a forehead strap 11 and an anterior shield strap 12 with a fan platform 13 positioned between the forehead strap 11 and the anterior shield strap 12; and a fan 14 positioned within the fan platform 13; wherein the anterior shield strap 12 has an upper front edge 15, a lower front edge 16, and a backward slope 17 extending between the upper front edge 15 and the lower front edge 16.

80. The helmet 100 of embodiment 79, wherein the backward slope 17 comprises a slope angle A of greater than 0° up to about 30°. Typically, slope angle A greater than 10° up to about 20°.

81. The helmet 100 of embodiment 79 or 80, wherein the backward slope 17 comprises a slope angle A of about 15°.

82. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 79 to 81, further comprising one or more of the recited features as recited in embodiments 7 to 78.

83. A single-use, disposable helmet 100 comprising: a main frame 10 comprising a forehead strap 11 and an anterior shield strap 12 with a fan platform 13 positioned between the forehead strap 11 and the anterior shield strap 12; and a fan 14 positioned within the fan platform 13; and a fan guard 18 that is sized to extend over the fan platform 13 and the fan 14, the fan guard 18 preventing a hood 20 from coming into contact with the fan 14.

84. The helmet 100 of embodiment 83, further comprising one or more of the recited features as recited in embodiments 4 to 6 and 8 to 78.

85. A single-use, disposable helmet 100 comprising: a main frame 10 comprising a forehead strap 11 and an anterior shield strap 12 with a fan platform 13 positioned between the forehead strap 11 and the anterior shield strap 12; and a fan 14 positioned within the fan platform 13; and a collapsible air channel 33 that is sized to extend over the fan platform 13 and the fan 14, the collapsible air channel 33 preventing a hood material 87 of a hood 20 from coming into contact with the fan 14, wherein the collapsible air channel 33 is movable from a collapsed state (i.e., for shipping and storage as shown in FIG. 13) to an operational state (i.e., for use as shown in FIGS. 14-15).

86. The helmet 100 of embodiment 85, further comprising one or more of the recited features as recited in embodiments 4 to 6 and 22 to 78.

87. A single-use, disposable helmet 100 comprising: a main frame 10 comprising a forehead strap 11 and an anterior shield strap 12 with a fan platform 13 positioned between the forehead strap 11 and the anterior shield strap 12; and a fan 14 positioned within the fan platform 13; an air channel 341 that is sized to extend (i) from over the fan platform 13 and the fan 14 to (ii) a position over a user's head (not shown); and one or more UVC lights 43 positioned along the air channel 341 (e.g., along an inner surface of the collapsible air channel 33), the one or more UVC lights 43 comprising one or more UVC lights having a light wavelength of from about 230 nanometers (nm) to about 275 nm.

88. The helmet 100 of embodiment 87, further comprising one or more of the recited features as recited in embodiments 4 to 32 and 34 to 78.

89. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 79 to 88, wherein the helmet 100 is collapsible into a volume having a length of up to about 16.0 inches, a width of up to about 20.0 inches, and a height of up to about 3.5 inches when fully assembled.

90. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 79 to 89, wherein the helmet 100 is collapsible into a volume having a length of up to 14.0 inches, a width of up to about 18.5 inches, and a height of up to about 2.5 inches when fully assembled.

91. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 79 to 90, wherein the helmet 100 is collapsible into a volume having a length of up to 12.0 inches, a width of up to about 17.0 inches, and a height of up to about 1.5 inches when fully assembled.

92. The helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 79 to 91, wherein, when expanded from its collapsible state (i.e., shipping and/or storage state) into a “use” or operational state, the helmet 100 expands into an in-use helmet 100 having a length of about 11.0 inches, a width of about 11.0 inches, and a height of about 10.0 inches.

93. A hood 20 comprising: hood material 87 sized to extend over a user's head and down to a neck/shoulder region of the user, said hood material 87 comprising: (i) a face shield opening 95 extending through the hood material 87 and along a front side of the hood 20, and (ii) a lower edge 88 extending along a lower periphery 89 of the hood material 87 and around a hood opening 90 of the hood 20; and a tie-string 91 positioned proximate the lower edge 88 and extending along at least a portion of the lower periphery 89 of the hood material 87, the tie-string 91 enabling a user to reduce a circumference of the hood opening 90 from an initial circumference to an in-use circumference. See, for example, the initial circumference in FIG. 17 and the in-use circumference in FIG. 20.

94. The hood 20 of embodiment 93, further comprising: a face shield 80 positioned within face shield opening 95 and attached to hood material 87 surrounding face shield opening 95.

95. The hood 20 of embodiment 93 or 94, further comprising: an air inlet hole 81 disposed centrally above the helmet 100 and along and through hood material 87. See, for example, FIG. 21.

96. The hood 20 of embodiment 95, further comprising: an air filter (not shown) positioned next to and covering the air inlet hole 81.

97. The hood 20 of any one of embodiments 93 to 96, further comprising: one or more air outlet holes 82 disposed along and through the hood material 87. See, for example, FIG. 18.

98. The hood 20 of any one of embodiments 93 to 97, further comprising: one or more air outlet holes 82 disposed along and through a rear portion of the hood material 87. See again, FIG. 18, wherein air outlet hole 82 is disposed along and through a rear portion of the hood material 87 so as to be positioned along a lower, rear portion of a user's head and above the user's neck line.

99. The hood 20 of any one of embodiments 93 to 98, wherein the tie-string 91 is positioned from about 4.0 inch to about 10.0 inches above the lower edge 88.

100. The hood 20 of any one of embodiments 93 to 99, wherein the tie-string 91 extends along substantially all of the lower periphery 89 of the hood material 87.

101. The hood 20 of any one of embodiments 93 to 100, further comprising: a tie-string channel 92 that extends along at least a portion of the lower periphery 89 of the hood material 87, the tie-string channel 92 comprising a tie-string channel inlet 93 and a tie-string channel outlet 94. See, for example, FIG. 19, which shows tie-string 91 entering tie-string channel inlet 93 and exiting tie-string channel outlet 94.

102. The hood 20 of embodiment 101, wherein the tie-string channel 92 extends along substantially all of the lower periphery 89 of the hood material 87.

103. The hood 20 of embodiment 101 or 102, wherein the tie-string channel 92 comprises (i) hood material 87 and (ii) an overlapping piece of channel material (not shown) positioned over and along an inner surface (not shown) or an outer surface 83 of the hood material 87. As discussed above, in FIGS. 17-20, exemplary tie-string channel 92 comprises (i) hood material 87 positioned about 3.0 inches above lower edge 88 and extending along substantially all of lower periphery 89, and (ii) an overlapping piece of channel material (not shown) positioned over and along an inner surface (not shown) of the hood material 87.

104. The hood 20 of any one of embodiments 93 to 103, further comprising a tie-string locking device 96 that is movable along the tie-string 91 so as to move from (i) a first locked position corresponding to the hood opening 90 having the initial circumference in a non-use position to (ii) a second locked position corresponding to the hood opening 90 having the in-use circumference.

105. The hood 20 of any one of embodiments 93 to 104, wherein the tie-string 91 has a length of from about 20 inches to about 36 inches.

106. A package 85 comprising (i) the helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 92, alone or in combination with the hood 20 of any one of embodiments 93 to 105, in a shipping configuration (see, for example, FIG. 1), and (ii) packaging material 86 surrounding the helmet 100, alone or in combination with the hood 20, wherein the package 85 has a package volume with a package length of up to about 16.0 inches, a package width of up to about 20.0 inches, and a package height of up to about 3.5 inches.

107. The package 85 of embodiment 106, wherein the package 85 has a package length of up to 14.0 inches, a package width of up to about 18.5 inches, and a package height of up to about 2.5 inches.

108. The package 85 of embodiment 106 or 107, wherein the package 85 has a package length of up to 12.0 inches, a package width of up to about 17.0 inches, and a package height of up to about 1.5 inches.

Methods of Making Helmets and Helmet/Face Shield/Hood Combinations

109. A method of making the helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 92, said method comprising the steps of: combining the forehead strap 11, the anterior shield strap 12, and the fan platform 13 to form a helmet structure 100′; and positioning the fan 14 within the fan platform 13.

110. The method of embodiment 109, further comprising: forming one or more of the following components: the forehead strap 11, the anterior shield strap 12, the fan platform 13, the first gear strap 61, the second gear strap 64, the overhead strap 45, the gear box housing 67, the gear 68, the knob 69, the battery housing 30, the anterior strap 23, the fan guard 18, the one or more connectors 70, the one or more sweat bands 72, and the collapsible air channel 33.

111. The method of embodiment 109 or 110, further comprising: connecting one or more of the following components to one another to form the helmet structure: the forehead strap 11, the anterior shield strap 12, the fan platform 13, the first gear strap 61, the second gear strap 64, the overhead strap 45, the gear box housing 67, the gear 68, the knob 69, the battery housing 30, the anterior strap 23, the fan guard 18, the one or more connectors 70, the one or more sweat bands 72, the collapsible air channel 33, and the one or more UVC lights 43.

112. The method of any one of embodiments 109 to 111, said method comprising: connecting the following components to one another to form the helmet structure 100′: the forehead strap 11, the anterior shield strap 12, the fan platform 13, the first gear strap 61, the second gear strap 64, the overhead strap 45, the anterior strap 23, and the fan guard 18.

113. The method of any one of embodiments 109 to 112, said method comprising: connecting the following components to one another to form the helmet structure 100′: the forehead strap 11, the anterior shield strap 12, the fan platform 13, the first gear strap 61, the second gear strap 64, the overhead strap 45, the anterior strap 23, the fan guard 18, and the battery housing 30.

114. The method of any one of embodiments 109 to 113, said method comprising: (i) connecting the proximal end 24 of the anterior strap 23 to the main frame 10, and (ii) connecting the distal end 25 of the anterior strap 23 to the overhead strap 45.

115. The method of any one of embodiments 109 to 114, said method comprising: connecting the fan guard 18 to (i) the anterior strap connector 26 of the anterior strap 23 and an anterior position 19 along the fan platform 23.

116. The method of any one of embodiments 109 to 111, said method comprising: connecting the following components to one another to form the helmet structure 100′: the forehead strap 11, the anterior shield strap 12, the fan platform 13, the first gear strap 61, the second gear strap 64, the overhead strap 45, and the collapsible air channel 33.

117. The method of any one of embodiments 109 to 114 and 116, said method comprising: connecting the collapsible air channel 33 to (i) an anterior position 19 along the fan platform 23, and (ii) the overhead strap connector 50 of the overhead strap 45.

118. The method of any one of embodiments 109 to 111 and 116 to 117, further comprising: forming the collapsible air channel 33 comprising the upper layer of channel-forming material 34, the lower layer of channel-forming material 35, and the one or more posts 36 positioned so as to separate the upper layer of channel-forming material 34 from the lower layer of channel-forming material 35. The method may further comprise: forming the air channel aperture 42 along the collapsible air channel 33, for example, within the upper layer of channel-forming material 34, as shown in FIG. 15.

119. The method of any one of embodiments 109 to 118, further comprising: connecting one or more of the following components to the helmet structure 100′: the gear box housing 67, the gear 68, the knob 69, the one or more connectors 70, and the one or more sweat bands 72.

120. The method of any one of embodiments 109 to 119, wherein the gear box housing 67, the gear 68, and the knob 69 are each positioned along a rear end 98 of the helmet structure 100′.

121. A method of making the hood 20 of any one of embodiments 93 to 105, said method comprising the steps of: forming the hood material 87 sized to extend over a user's head and down to a neck/shoulder region of the user, the hood material 87 comprising: (i) a face shield opening 95 extending through the hood material 87 and along a front side of the hood 20, and (ii) a lower edge 88 extending along a lower periphery 89 of the hood material 87 and around a hood opening 90 of the hood 20; and positioning a tie-string 91 proximate the lower edge 88 so as to extend along at least a portion of the lower periphery 89 of the hood material 87, the tie-string 91 enabling a user to reduce a circumference of the hood opening 90 from an initial circumference to an in-use circumference. See, for example, the initial circumference in FIG. 17 and the in-use circumference in FIG. 20.

122. The method of embodiment 121, further comprising: positioning a face shield 80 within face shield opening 95; and attaching the face shield 80 to the hood material 87 surrounding the face shield opening 95.

123. The method of embodiment 121 or 122, further comprising: forming an air inlet hole 81 disposed centrally above the helmet 100 and along and through the hood material 87. See, for example, FIG. 21.

124. The method of any one of embodiments 121 to 123, further comprising: positioning an air filter (not shown) next to and covering the air inlet hole 81.

125. The method of any one of embodiments 121 to 124, further comprising: forming one or more air outlet holes 82 disposed along and through the hood material 87. See, for example, FIG. 18.

126. The method of any one of embodiments 121 to 125, further comprising: forming a tie-string channel 92 that extends along at least a portion of the lower periphery 89 of the hood material 87, the tie-string channel 92 comprising a tie-string channel inlet 93 and a tie-string channel outlet 94. See, for example, FIG. 19, which shows tie-string 91 entering tie-string channel inlet 93 and exiting tie-string channel outlet 94.

127. The method of embodiment 126, wherein the tie-string channel 92 extends along substantially all of the lower periphery 89 of the hood material 87.

128. The method of embodiment 126 or 127, wherein the tie-string channel 92 comprises (i) hood material 87 and (ii) an overlapping piece of channel material (not shown) positioned over and along an inner surface (not shown) or an outer surface 83 of the hood material 87. As discussed above, in FIGS. 17-20, exemplary tie-string channel 92 comprises (i) hood material 87 positioned about 3.0 in above lower edge 88 and extending along substantially all of lower periphery 89, and (ii) an overlapping piece of channel material (not shown) positioned over and along an inner surface (not shown) of the hood material 87.

129. The method of any one of embodiments 121 to 128, further comprising positioning a tie-string locking device 96 along the tie-string 91 so as to be movable from (i) a first locked position corresponding to the hood opening 90 having the initial circumference in a non-use position to (ii) a second locked position corresponding to the hood opening 90 having the in-use circumference.

130. The method of any one of embodiments 109 to 129, further comprising: collapsing the helmet structure 100′, alone or in combination with the hood 20, into a shipping and/or storing configuration so as to occupy a volume having a length of up to about 16.0 inches, a width of up to about 20.0 inches, and a height of up to about 3.5 inches.

131. The method of any one of embodiments 109 to 130, further comprising: collapsing the helmet structure 100′, alone or in combination with the hood 20, into a shipping and/or storing configuration so as to occupy a volume having a length of up to 14.0 inches, a width of up to about 18.5 inches, and a height of up to about 2.5 in inches when fully assembled.

132. The method of any one of embodiments 109 to 131, further comprising: collapsing the helmet structure 100′, alone or in combination with the hood 20, into a shipping and/or storing configuration so as to occupy a volume having a length of up to 12.0 inches, a width of up to about 17.0 inches, and a height of up to about 1.5 inches when fully assembled.

Methods of Using Helmets and Helmet/Face Shield/Hood Combinations

133. A method of using the helmet 100 of any one of embodiments 1 to 92, said method comprising the steps of: positioning the helmet 100 on a user's head. See, for example, FIGS. 17-21.

134. The method of embodiment 133, further comprising: removing the helmet 100 from packaging material 86 surrounding the helmet 100.

135. The method of embodiment 133 or 134, further comprising: rotating the overhead strap 45 from within a first plane containing the forehead strap 11 and the anterior shield strap 12 (i.e., within a horizonal position as shown in FIG. 13) into (ii) a second plane substantially normal to the first plane (i.e., within a vertical position as shown in FIGS. 14-16).

136. The method of any one of embodiments 133 to 135, further comprising: connecting the anterior strap 23 or the collapsible air channel 33 to the overhead strap connector 50 of the overhead strap 45.

137. The method of any one of embodiments 133 to 136, further comprising: expanding helmet 100 from a collapsible state (i.e., shipping and/or storage state) into a “use” or operational state so as to expand the helmet 100 into an in-use helmet 100 having a length of about 11.0 inches, a width of about 11.0 inches, and a height of about 10.0 inches.

138. The method of any one of embodiments 133 to 137, further comprising: connecting the face shield 80 or the hood 20 to the anterior shield strap 12 of the main frame 10.

139. The method of any one of embodiments 133 to 138, further comprising: connecting the hood 20 of any one of embodiments 95 to 107 to the anterior shield strap 12 of the main frame 10.

140. The method of embodiment 139, further comprising: using the tie-string 91 to reduce a circumference of the hood opening 90 from an initial circumference to an in-use circumference. See, for example, the initial circumference in FIG. 17 and the in-use circumference in FIG. 20.

141. The method of embodiment 139 or 140, further comprising: positioning an outer garment 99 (e.g., a lab coat, a surgical gown, coveralls, any other piece of protective clothing, etc.) over the lower edge 88 of the hood material 87 so as to cover at least a portion of the lower edge 88 of the hood material 87. See, for example, FIG. 20.

142. The method of any one of embodiments 133 to 141, further comprising: exposing the helmet 100 to one or more of the following environments: a medical setting, an operating room, a trauma center, a chemical spill setting, a laboratory, a sterile environment, a work setting, disaster areas (e.g., earthquake area, flood area, war zone, ebola-breakout area, etc.), or any other location that is suspected of having some degree of contamination. The here-in described helmet 100 provides a “safe space” around a user's head, separating the user's mouth, nose, and eyes from a contaminated environment or affected individual or animal. Because the here-in described helmet 100 uses one or more batteries (e.g., AA or AAA batteries), the here-in described helmet 100 can be used in remote locations (e.g., disaster areas) that do not provide electrical outlets.

In addition, it should be understood that although the above-described helmets and methods are described as “comprising” one or more components or steps, the above-described helmets and methods may “comprise,” “consists of,” or “consist essentially of” the above-described components or steps of the helmets and methods. Consequently, where the present invention, or a portion thereof, has been described with an open-ended term such as “comprising,” it should be readily understood that (unless otherwise stated) the description of the present invention, or the portion thereof, should also be interpreted to describe the present invention, or a portion thereof, using the terms “consisting essentially of” or “consisting of” or variations thereof as discussed below.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” “contains”, “containing,” “characterized by” or any other variation thereof, are intended to encompass a non-exclusive inclusion, subject to any limitation explicitly indicated otherwise, of the recited components. For example, a helmet and/or method that “comprises” a list of elements (e.g., components or steps) is not necessarily limited to only those elements (or components or steps), but may include other elements (or components or steps) not expressly listed or inherent to the helmet and/or method.

As used herein, the transitional phrases “consists of” and “consisting of” exclude any element, step, or component not specified. For example, “consists of” or “consisting of” used in a claim would limit the claim to the components, materials or steps specifically recited in the claim except for impurities ordinarily associated therewith (i.e., impurities within a given component). When the phrase “consists of” or “consisting of” appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than immediately following the preamble, the phrase “consists of” or “consisting of” limits only the elements (or components or steps) set forth in that clause; other elements (or components) are not excluded from the claim as a whole.

As used herein, the transitional phrases “consists essentially of” and “consisting essentially of” are used to define a helmet and and/or a method that includes materials, steps, features, components, or elements, in addition to those literally disclosed, provided that these additional materials, steps, features, components, or elements do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. The term “consisting essentially of” occupies a middle ground between “comprising” and “consisting of”.

Further, it should be understood that the herein-described helmets and/or methods may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of any of the herein-described components and features, as shown in the figures with or without any feature(s) not shown in the figures. In other words, in some embodiments, the helmets of the present invention do not have any additional features other than those shown in the figures, and such additional features, not shown in the figures, are specifically excluded from the helmets. In other embodiments, the helmets of the present invention do have one or more additional features that are not shown in the figures.

The present invention is described above and further illustrated below by way of examples, which are not to be construed in any way as imposing limitations upon the scope of the invention. On the contrary, it is to be clearly understood that resort may be had to various other embodiments, modifications, and equivalents thereof which, after reading the description herein, may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention and/or the scope of the appended claims.

Examples

Helmets similar to those shown in FIGS. 1-21 were prepared and utilized in a non-sterile and sterile environment.

The present invention is described above and further illustrated below by way of claims, which are not to be construed in any way as imposing limitations upon the scope of the invention. On the contrary, it is to be clearly understood that resort may be had to various other embodiments, modifications, and equivalents thereof which, after reading the description herein, may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention and/or the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A single-use, disposable helmet comprising: a main frame comprising a forehead strap and an anterior shield strap with a fan platform positioned between the forehead strap and the anterior shield strap; a fan positioned within the fan platform; an air channel that is sized to extend (i) from over the fan platform and the fan to (ii) a position over a user's head; and one or more UVC lights positioned along an inner surface of the air channel, wherein the one or more UVC lights provide UVC light having a wavelength of from about 230 nanometers (nm) to about 275 nm.
 2. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the air channel comprises a collapsible air channel, wherein the collapsible air channel (i) prevents hood material of a hood from coming into contact with the fan, and (ii) is movable from (a) a substantially flat, collapsed state with no air channel therethrough to (b) an operational state with a formed air channel extending therethrough.
 3. The helmet of claim 2, wherein the helmet is collapsible into a volume having a length of up to about 16.0 inches, a width of up to about 20.0 inches, and a height of up to about 3.5 inches when fully assembled.
 4. The helmet of claim 2, wherein the helmet is collapsible into a volume having a length of up to 12.0 inches, a width of up to about 17.0 inches, and a height of up to about 1.5 inches when fully assembled.
 5. The helmet of claim 2, wherein the anterior shield strap has an upper front edge, a lower front edge, and a backward slope extending between the upper front edge and the lower front edge, wherein the backward slope comprises a slope angle of greater than 0° up to about 30°.
 6. The helmet of claim 2, wherein the collapsible air channel is connectable or connected to the main frame.
 7. The helmet of claim 2, wherein the collapsible air channel comprises an upper layer of channel-forming material, a lower layer of channel-forming material, and one or more posts positioned so as to separate the upper layer from the lower layer.
 8. The helmet of claim 2, wherein the collapsible air channel further comprises one or more cover materials, said one or more cover materials being sized to extend over at least a portion of (i) the upper channel-forming material, (ii) the lower layer of channel-forming material, and (iii) the one or more posts.
 9. The helmet of claim 8, wherein the one or more cover materials comprise one or more fabrics, one or more films, or any combination thereof.
 10. The helmet of claim 9, wherein the tubular fabric material comprises a nonwoven fabric material.
 11. The helmet of claim 7, wherein the one or more UVC lights comprise a linear array of LED lights positioned along (i) the upper channel-forming material, (ii) the lower layer of channel-forming material, or (iii) both the upper channel-forming material the lower layer of channel-forming material.
 12. The helmet of claim 2, wherein the fan pulls air (i) from above the fan platform and (ii) from within the formed air channel.
 13. The helmet of claim 1, further comprising an overhead strap that is connectable to or connected to the main frame and comprises (i) an overhead strap proximal end for connecting to a first side of the main frame, (ii) an overhead strap distal end for connecting to an opposite side of the main frame, and (iii) an overhead strap connector positioned between the overhead strap proximal end and the overhead strap distal end.
 14. The helmet of claim 1, further comprising a gear band that is connectable to or connected to the main frame and comprises (i) a first gear strap comprising a first gear strap end for connecting to the main frame and a first gear strap opposite end, (ii) a second gear strap comprising a second gear strap end for connecting to the main frame and a second gear strap opposite end, (iii) a gear box housing that accepts and locks into place the first gear strap opposite end and the second gear strap opposite end, (iv) a gear within the gear box housing, the gear adjusted a position of the first gear strap opposite end and the second gear strap opposite end, and (v) a knob for turning the gear, wherein the forehead strap of the main frame and the gear band form a loop that is adjustably sized to fit onto a user's head by turning the knob.
 15. The helmet of claim 1, further comprising a battery housing.
 16. The helmet of claim 1, further comprising a face shield that is connectable to or connected to the main frame, wherein the face shield is connectable to or connected to a front surface of the anterior shield strap so as to extend below the anterior shield strap and in front of a face of a user.
 17. The helmet of claim 1, further comprising a hood comprising hood material that is attachable to the main frame so as to extend below the main frame and cover at least a portion of a user's head and/or neck and/or shoulders.
 18. A single-use, disposable helmet comprising: a main frame comprising a forehead strap and an anterior shield strap with a fan platform positioned between the forehead strap and the anterior shield strap; a fan positioned within the fan platform; and a collapsible air channel that is sized to extend over the fan platform and the fan, the collapsible air channel preventing a hood from coming into contact with the fan, wherein the collapsible air channel is movable from (a) a substantially flat, collapsed state with no air channel therethrough to (b) an operational state with a formed air channel extending therethrough.
 19. The helmet of claim 18, further comprising one or more UVC lights positioned along the collapsible air channel, wherein the one or more UVC lights provide UVC light having a wavelength of from about 230 nanometers (nm) to about 275 nm.
 20. A method of using the helmet of claim 2, said method comprising the steps of: positioning the helmet on a user's head; expanding the helmet from a collapsible state into a “use” or operational state so as to expand the helmet into an in-use helmet having a length of about 11.0 inches, a width of about 11.0 inches, and a height of about 10.0 inches; and exposing the helmet to one or more of the following environments: a medical setting, an operating room, a trauma center, a chemical spill setting, a laboratory, a sterile environment, a work setting, disaster areas, or any other location that is suspected of having some degree of contamination. 